TWO thirds of people would not trust care home staff to provide a safe and adequate service to an elderly relative – with many saying they would even consider quitting their job to look after loved ones themselves.

Research has shown a clear mistrust of the care elderly people currently receive in homes across the country, with 80 per cent of those questioned in a survey admitting stories of abuse and neglect left them feeling ‘frightened’.

The survey, carried out on behalf of personal injury and medical negligence specialists Neil Hudgell Solicitors, comes ahead of the UK-wide awareness campaign next week, aimed at improving the lives of both carers and the people they care for.

It aims to recognise the contribution made by the UK’s 6.5 million carers who look after an ill, frail or disabled family member or friend,

Given the results of this survey, that number looks set to rise due to an increasing reluctance of people to put loved ones in the care of a home.

In the survey, which questioned more than 1,000 people aged from 18 to 55 and over across the UK, 61 per cent of people said they would not trust care home staff to look after their relatives safely and adequately.

Only 23 per cent of people said they would be comfortable putting a family member into care, with 63 per cent admitting the pressure of looking after a relative themselves would put pressure on their own work and family life.

Simon Wilson, of Neil Hudgell Solicitors, said: “The results of this survey send out a very clear message that the general public have a deep mistrust of the care elderly people are currently receiving in care homes across the country.

“This is somewhat saddening given the amount of great work done by many carers who provide excellent care, often on low wages and in difficult circumstances, with patients who can be aggressive and violent themselves.

“However, as a company we still deal with a number of cases where residents, and often the homes themselves, are let down by rogue employees who quite simply, should not be working in care.

“It appears that going forward, these damaging incidents of abuse will lead to more people feeling they need to care for relatives themselves, something which will clearly put more pressure on their home and work life.”

The Carers Week website says: “Caring can be a rich source of satisfaction in people’s lives. It can be life-affirming. It can help deepen and strengthen relationships. It can teach you a multitude of skills and help you realise potential you never thought you had.